#Japan #Tokyo #Hockey Japan League #Yukari Yamamoto #Sakamoto Minoru

Leadership Changes in the Hockey Japan League

On June 26, 2025, the Hockey Japan League (HJL) conducted its annual general meeting where a new set of officials was elected to the board. This significant change marks the beginning of the 9th and 10th terms for the organization, with a focus on strengthening its governance and ensuring the continued growth of hockey in Japan.

The meeting resulted in the appointment of a total of 14 board members, including five new additions led by the Olympic veteran Yukari Yamamoto, who has previously represented Japan in Athens, Beijing, and London. This diverse board comprises a mix of internal and external directors, integrating fresh perspectives with experienced leadership to guide the League moving forward.

In a critical step during their first board meeting, Minoru Sakamoto was voted in as the new chairman, taking over from Kiyoshi Shin, who has transitioned to an advisory role after the conclusion of his term. Sakamoto, now 66, has a wealth of knowledge about the league and its operations, having previously served as the executive director and carrying a deep commitment to the sport.

As Japan gears up for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, which will take place in just three years, the League is determined to elevate the skill levels of its teams, namely the Sakura Japan and Samurai Japan squads. The focus will be on creating an engaging atmosphere where players can connect with fans and showcase their talents, reflecting a vibrant hockey culture.

Furthermore, the HJL aims to expand its reach by increasing the number of participating teams across the nation, striving for broader engagement that supports the growth and development of the sport. The new leadership is passionate about promoting hockey, ensuring healthy league operations, and enhancing the competitive landscape in Japan.

Board Members Overview

• - Chairman: Minoru Sakamoto (Reappointed, Age: 66)
• - Vice Chairmen: Hideo Hasegawa (Reappointed, Age: 56), Hideo Okuda (New appointee, Age: 57)
• - Additional directors include figures such as Akihiro Usui, Eiichiro Nishizawa, and members from various sectors, ensuring a vibrant mix of expertise and insight.

New Appointments

1. Yukari Yamamoto (44): Former Olympic player and new director, representing diverse knowledge from her time on the international stage.
2. Aya Toriumi (41) and Satoshi Hasegawa (41): Both bring fresh experience from successful careers in management.
3. Makoto Matsumura (49): Will lead future talent development in the sport.

Auditors and Advisors

Two auditors were also retained, highlighting the League's commitment to transparency and accountability:

• - Tomokuni Tsuno (52) and Mima No Kawamoto (42) will ensure adherence to both financial and operational standards.
• - Notably, former chairman Kiyoshi Shin has taken up the role of senior advisor, providing valuable guidance based on his extensive experience.

As the HJL enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on how these leadership changes will impact the future of hockey in Japan. With a firm focus on development, community engagement, and strategic growth, the Hockey Japan League is poised for an exciting journey ahead.